“Damn, he looks rough,” Raya said.

Even from this vantage point Becca could see both of Nate’s eyes were blackened, his lip swollen. She took out her phone and opened the camera app. Becca zoomed in on each and every person in the group, making sure she had a clear and precise image. She took their photos and texted them to Christian with the message Call me.

Becca’s phone rang seconds later. “Who is that?” Raya asked, anxiously shifting in her seat.

“A friend,” Becca said, hoping that Christian would overlook Becca’s lack of protocol and appreciate that she was doing this for Ash. Still she braced for Christian’s wrath. He did not disappoint. “You went back downtown? Becca, for fuck’s sake, what are you doing?”

“I found him, Christian. I found Nate, and the others. I’m pretty sure this is the Tribe,” Becca said, her words spilling out. “I texted you their pictures.”

“You know if these are the people we’re looking for they’re likely responsible for multiple murders?” Christian inhaled. “Joanne’s already pissed about your involvement in this case. Hell, she could have you arrested for interfering in a goddamn murder investigation. Not to mention what that could mean for your work in the department.”

“You think I care what happens to my job? You think any of that matters now?” Becca asked. “I called you because I trust you. And Ash trusted you. That’s why I called you. You owe us.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “I’m putting in a call for the nearest available units. I’m heading to you as we speak. Do not leave the restaurant until I get…”

She hung up the phone before he could finish his sentence.

“So what now?” Raya asked.

“I see if they know anything,” Becca said. She stood up, reached into her purse, and pulled out the hundred-dollar bill she kept for emergencies.

Raya’s face fell. “You can’t just go over there. You know they aren’t right in the head.”

“The cops are on their way. I’ll be fine,” Becca said. This might be her only chance to get close to Nate before the cops came. Her only chance to ask about Ash. Raya looked unconvinced. Becca held out the cash to Raya.

“Take this. Check yourself into a motel. I know you’ll be safe there.”

“Doc, I don’t want your handouts, and I’m sure as hell not letting you go over there. Not alone,” Raya said nervously. “You don’t know these people.”

She was wrong. Time was running out and Becca wasn’t going to argue with Raya. She tossed the bill on the table and hurried out of the restaurant. As Becca fast walked across the street, toward Nate and the others, she unearthed her LAPD badge from her bag.